Private Plane Guys: "Deregistered"?

Danny_Ocean · 10-13-2009, 07:25 PM

I'm looking at a plane and ran the "N" number through the FAA database. The registration indicates "deregistered". A note in the FAQ section indicates this designation is for planes that have been salvaged, decommissioned, removed from service, etc.

So, question is...is "deregistered" the kiss of death for a small plane? Is it a negative, or is it something like a non-op certificate on an auto?

Are "N" numbers transferable (like license plates)? Can the owner take the "N" number from this plane and re-assign it to another?

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Are you a member of AOPA? if youre not, you should be, especially if you're looking to buy a plane. They offer a service that does all the paperwork checks, etc... They will have a legal answer for you.

Danny_Ocean · 10-13-2009, 07:47 PM

No, I'm not a pilot (and actually am terrified to fly in a small plane). I'm looking at a few planes that have been, or about to be, repossessed so that I may re-sell them, either whole or for parts.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

ok, same rule applies. Join up, it will give you access to classifieds, ac ref values, legal help etc. I think its @ $39.00? for a year.

Zef · Zef's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

So, question is...is "deregistered" the kiss of death for a small plane? Is it a negative, or is it something like a non-op certificate on an auto?

You can literally rebuilt an aircraft around it's dataplate.

fingpilot · 10-14-2009, 05:09 AM

'N' numbers are moved from plane to plane all the time. One can even be moved off of a plane, and held in reserve, as long as someone is paying the 'reg' fee.

Could mean anything, including that that number is now available, but no longer attached to that airplane (someone didn't keep up the fees).

Joeaksa · 10-14-2009, 07:30 AM

If the "N" number has not been allocated to another plane, then it could be assumed again.

What has happened is that the registration was not renewed for a long time, or the owner moved and did not tell the FAA the new address. Once moved and the FAA sends a post card to them at that old address, when its not recieved at OKC again in a reasonable amount of time they "de-register" the aircraft and "N" number. Many times you can get it back but something needs to be done and now.

Danny_Ocean · 10-14-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingpilot

'N' numbers are moved from plane to plane all the time. One can even be moved off of a plane, and held in reserve, as long as someone is paying the 'reg' fee.

Could mean anything, including that that number is now available, but no longer attached to that airplane (someone didn't keep up the fees).

OK. That's what I kinda figured from the FAA site.

So, if you have an "N" number, how do you know it is attached to a plane? Is there another number that sticks with the plane? Serial #? Data plate as mentioned above?

fingpilot · 10-14-2009, 07:44 PM

I'm sure the airframe number and engine serial number are the other two 'things'. Look up the local FSDO (Flight Safety Standards Office) or GADO (General Aviation District Office). They will help.

Joeaksa · 10-15-2009, 07:29 AM

To check in "N" numbers, look here:

www.landings.com/evird.acgi$pass*140882578!_h-www.landings.com/_landings/pages/search/search_nnr.html

If the link does not work...
Landings: Welcome: News: databases, aircraft sales, planning, weather, pilot supplies, more..., then go to the bottom and click on "databases" then "US registrations" and go from there. Enter the reg in the window and click.

You can also do this through the FAA: Home but its a lot more involved and slower.